First explored by Europeans in the 18th century, Calexico began as a small tent community which was ultimately incorporated in 1908.

Calexico began as a tent city of the Imperial Land Company; it was founded in 1899, and incorporated in 1908.

[6] On April 4, 2010, the El Mayor earthquake caused moderate to heavy damage throughout Calexico and across the border in Mexicali.

There are eighteen regular and irregular common carriers for intrastate and interstate truck service to Calexico.

Rail service is provided by Union Pacific Railroad, and connects with the main line to Portland, Oregon; Rock Island, Illinois; Tucumcari, New Mexico; St. Louis, Missouri; and New Orleans, Louisiana.

Within city limits is Calexico International Airport, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection checkpoint for private passenger and air-cargo flights entering the U.S. from Mexico.

In 2008, during the months of July and August there were several heavy thunderstorms that let down large amounts of rain and hail.

However, the hot desert climate seen in Calexico is actually not unusual for similar parallel cities such as, for example, Baghdad, Iraq.

The area has a large amount of sunshine year-round due to its stable descending air and high pressure.

[3] The mayor presides at council meetings, where all official policies and laws of the city are enacted.

[14] Federally, Calexico is in California's 25th congressional district, represented by Democrat Raul Ruiz.

The mayor pro tem is Gilberto Manzanarez, and the other council members are Javier Moreno, Raul Urena, and Camilo Garcia.

In addition, there are more than 20 local agencies and programs providing vocational training which can be tailored to the specific needs of potential employers.

Freight rail service is provided by Union Pacific Railroad's Calexico Subdivision.

[33][34] Calexico generally identifies as part of the larger Imperial Valley region, which includes the El Centro metropolitan area, as do the rest of the cities in the county.

Notable sites Red Ribbon Week Red Ribbon Week, a national observance dedicated to spreading awareness about the prevention of drugs and violence (especially in schools) originated within the city of Calexico during the mid to late 1980s as a tribute to DEA officer Enrique "Kiki" Camarena.